Eight endangered crested ibises, known as Toki in Japan, have been released into the wild in Hakui city, Noto region, marking a significant milestone decades after the species was declared extinct in the country. The release ceremony took place on Sunday, with Crown Prince Akishino and his wife Crown Princess Kiko in attendance, who participated in allowing the birds to take flight, generating widespread enthusiasm among local residents.
Captive-Breeding Success Story
These ibises are the result of a successful captive-breeding programme at a conservation centre on Sado Island. Ten more birds are reportedly awaiting release to further bolster the wild population. The species, native to East Asia and admired for its distinctive orange-pink wings and red eye markings, vanished from Japan's Honshu main island in the 1970s due to overhunting and environmental degradation. The last native Japanese ibis died in 2003.
China's Crucial Role
China played a pivotal role in the birds' comeback, donating a pair in 1999 that led to the first captive-born chick. The current population on Sado Island has grown to approximately 500 since releases began in 2008. This latest release also serves as a symbol of hope for the earthquake-stricken Noto region, which suffered significant damage in recent years.
The event was attended by officials and conservationists who celebrated the return of this iconic bird to its natural habitat. The crested ibis, once on the brink of extinction, now represents a remarkable conservation achievement, highlighting international cooperation and dedicated breeding efforts.
